For a younger businessperson, Jesse Wilton is already very clear with the direction he wants to take his career.

A Novocastrian at heart, Jesse is passionate about his role with Villager Property, but also understands the importance of balance when it comes to work and life. He is a trained lifeguard, a yogi and a sportsman, with an energetic drive in all he does.

• What career path led you to where you are now?

After finishing school at Saint Franics Xavier in Hamilton, I was given an opportunity to start an apprenticeship as a fitter with globally regarded mining company Sandvik Mining.

At the time I finished my apprenticeship Australia was at the peak of its mining boom in 2010 and I was lucky enough to gain a full time job with a local colliery, Abel Underground. I spent the next years as a fitter in the extraction panels of the colliery. The well-publicised doom and gloom of the coal prices dropping in 2015 resulted in myself being 1 of 300 men out of a job.

Having always been interest in the local property market , I took it as an opportunity to do something new which wasn’t as career threatening as coal mining! At this time a friend who I had met and kept in contact with since buying my own properties had just started his own agency after being in the business 15 years.

Ben Tindall helped me gain my real estate license and after spending some time with top agents and auctioneers in Sydney, I started my new career at Villager Property in Cooks Hill.

• What motivates you?

I have a vision of what I would like to achieve daily, weekly, monthly and yearly. Yet while I am goal orientated person, my goals aren’t materialistic. I think being able to help people achieve their own goals is my main driving force to succeed, that brings me peace and motivates me to keep being a better person for myself and the community.

• What has been your biggest learning curve in your career?

Having goals is great but it is also just as important to live in the moment and take each day as it comes. I will be the first person to put my hand up in saying I want everything to happen now but I have since learnt that the more you accept the present the more growth and results you will achieve.

• Where would you like to be in 10 years?

I am definitely the type of person that doesn’t feel the water temperature I just dive straight, that’s how I am with my aspirations as well, I have plans to become the director of a real

estate company within the next 10 years.

• Have you had any significant Hunter – based mentors during your career that inspire you?

Apart from my great team at Villager Property, and a very motivational real estate coach that I meet with once a month, I would say Graham Warea from Gracie Himaita Bjj.

Graham was my first Brazilian Jiu Jitsu coach. Jiu Jitsu is primarily about mastering how to balance the forces pf life and from Graham I was tutored in patience, loyalty and respect.

While I think it is very important to have business coaches and mentors who guide your way, I also value having someone with no monetary investment within you who will tell you what you may need to know, not just what you want to hear.

With thanks to Hunter Young Professionals who Hunter Headline collaborated with to source this interviewee.